The province is compromising on new rules for rentals intended to protect tenants during evictions.
Last month the Residential Tenancy Act was amended to require four months’ notice be given to tenants evicted for a property owner’s personal or caretaker use, instead of two. The changes also increased the tenants’ dispute period from 15 days to 30.
The BC Real Estate Association and Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association challenged the changes. They said they hurt first-time homebuyers who might have to wait up to five months to move in, and do nothing to protect tenants who get evicted in bad faith.
The province responded with a compromise. Landlords will be required to give three months’ notice and the tenants’ dispute period will be 21 days.
The revisions come into effect August 21.
